Ralph -
I love questions like this because, well, there aren't any wrong answers.
Like almost everything in the IT world, it's difficult to just pick ONE thing out of the bunch and call it the best.
QUOTE:
What is the most dominant database program which most employers need higher level architects as well as entry level operators?
The days of the standalone database are over. Alas, gone are the days of Paradox and Foxpro. There's certainly still a place for standalone relational database technology on the desktop (such as Microsoft Access), but those systems aren't designed to scale in the medium- to large-scale enterprise.
The most popular relational database type in use today is Structured Query Language-based (SQL: pronounced "sequel"
database technology. SQL is a relatively standard database language, and many database engines support a broad generic set of standard SQL commands and functions.
In the corporate/enterprise world, the two most popular SQL database engines are from Microsoft (Microsoft SQL Server) and Oracle (Oracle Database). A database administrator who's knowledgeable with just one of those platforms can build an entire career across many different companies.
The Internet, however, is a different story. On the Internet, the most widely used database (by a long shot) is MySQL (MySQL Community Server). Because the licensing options for MySQL include a free version, it has become the de-facto standard for most large Internet-based applications. In the Internet development world, the abbreviation LAMP was created to describe the incredibly powerful combination of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and Perl/Python/PHP. You can download almost any Linux distribution today and find MySQL included as part of the package.
QUOTE:
What would be the best new language to learn?
That's a tough question without some context. Are you interested in commputer programming languages? Do you want to build web sites? Are you interested in cross-platform development?
Although C++ still dominates the power-user programming circles, there are organizations who create their entire product offering in PHP, Java, or Python. The key to application development is to find a language and development platform that makes sense for your style and your interests. What do you want to be when you grow up?
QUOTE:
Any advice would be great regarding starting a new IT career.
Do what you love, it'll never get old.
You'll hear the word "no" a LOT. Don't believe it for a second.
Technology is the great equalizer. With a few free downloads from the Internet, you have the power to create anything you want. Instead of trying to focus on the most popular platforms, take a step back and figure out what interests you the most. Once you know where you want to go, it's much easier to figure out how to get there.
